September was full of wonderful moments for our authors. This month, we saw books recognized with awards, celebrated at events, and shared with new readers. It’s always inspiring to watch these stories connect with people in meaningful ways. Here’s a closer look at the highlights and achievements that made September worth celebrating.
Awards
We’re happy to share that Amy and the Magic Forest by Zlata Prudyus has been named a winner of the Golden Wizard Book Prize. This heartwarming story follows Amy as she enters a magical forest, meets a kind fairy named Freya, and learns valuable lessons about bravery, friendship, and kindness.
Zlata first wrote this story as a school project before turning it into the delightful book we know today. This recognition is a wonderful celebration of her creativity and imagination.
Being Broken: Tales and Essays of Survival and Death from Narcissistic Parental Abuse by Geoffrey R. Jonas has been named a Distinguished Favorite in the nonfiction category of the 2025 NYC Big Book Awards. This powerful work traces one man’s journey through layers of generational trauma—uncovering the abuse his sister endured, confronting his own struggles with mental illness and addiction born of that same environment, and working to heal the wounds left by narcissistic parenting.
Geoffrey’s story doesn’t shy away from difficult truths. He pieces together his family’s history through letters, messages, and memories to understand the cycle of harm and to chart a path toward transformation. Being Broken is a raw, honest exploration of pain, yet it is also a hopeful invitation, showing that recovery, while hard, is possible.
Christina Prokos’ Embrace Your Shadows has been recognized as a Runner-Up in the Self-Help category at the New York Book Festival.
This powerful book takes readers on a journey into the heart of their emotions, uncovering childhood wounds and shadow feelings that often hold them back. With guided meditations, journal prompts, and compassionate wisdom, Christina helps readers transform pain into empowerment and step into their authentic selves.
This award is a wonderful acknowledgment of Christina’s mission to inspire healing, growth, and emotional freedom.
Grandfather’s Key by Amanda Dauvin, with illustrations by Floyd Ryan Yamyamin, has been awarded third place in the 2025 Clara J. Johns Literary Awards for Best Early Reader Book and Illustration.
The story follows Eva, who receives a small key on her birthday. Determined to find what it unlocks, she searches everywhere until she discovers the answer has been right in front of her all along. Paired with warm, imaginative illustrations, Grandfather’s Key is a gentle story about curiosity, discovery, and the special bond between a child and her grandfather.
Events
Ian Lees’ book launch for My Temporary Daughter: Searching for Life in Unpopular Grief was a heartfelt success, with over 80 people attending and 52 books sold. The event was a meaningful moment to share Ian’s story, a powerful memoir about navigating loss, facing silence, and creating a legacy through the Katie Lees Foundation in honour of his daughter.
The strong turnout reflects the impact of Ian’s message and the growing community of readers who connect with his courage and honesty in sharing his journey through grief.
Hunter Snow recently hosted a book signing event at Perfect Match Books in Vancouver, BC, to celebrate the release of her second novel, Gone Country. Fans gathered to meet Hunter and get their copies signed, making it a fun and memorable event.
Gone Country follows rock star Jamie Keaton and country singer Clayton Langley, two artists from completely different worlds, whose chance collaboration sets the stage for a fiery mix of rivalry, chemistry, and unexpected connection.
This marks Hunter’s second book, following her debut Rock Crush and Roll, and it’s already striking a chord with readers who love music, romance, and a little drama.
